Summer Camp Survival Guide: Because Summer Break is Not a Break for Parents
Ah, summer. That magical time of year when the kids are off school, the days are long, and your coffee budget skyrockets. While your little darlings are dreaming of cannonballs into the pool and endless popsicle binges, you might be dreaming of... peace and quiet.
Enter the Summer Camp Guide—your superhero cape disguised as a clickable link. This is where summer dreams and parental sanity collide in a glorious symphony of structure, learning, and someone else asking your kid to stop talking during snack time.
Whether your child wants to become a coding prodigy, an aspiring artist, or a junior park ranger, we've got options to match every interest—and ensure they return home exhausted enough to skip the "I'm bored" chant for at least one evening.
So grab your calendar, fire up the group chat with fellow parents, and prepare to find the perfect camp that guarantees a summer of epic memories... and maybe a quiet moment for yourself.
Because if summer camp is the kids’ adventure, it’s your vacation too. Sort of.
Let’s dive in!
Adventure & Outdoor Camps | Faith Based Camps | General Day Camps | Life Skills Camps | Other Summer Camps | Overnight Camps | STEAM & Educational Camps | Sports Camps | Visual & Performing Arts Camps
Dexterity Depot’s Summer Camps are the ultimate adventure for kids ages 6–14! With Ninja Warrior and Parkour instruction, games, and open gym time, your kids will stay active, make friends, and have FUN. Camps run June 9–13 and July 14–18, with morning and afternoon sessions available.
75 Utley Drive, , Suite 102, Camp Hill, PA Read MoreDive into a summer of sensory and pretend play at Jubilee’s Mini Mansion Summer Camps! Kids ages 5-12 will explore 15 magical playhouses, create arts and crafts, and enjoy snacks, pizza, and drinks. Camps run Tuesday-Thursday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM—perfect for an afternoon of fun and creativity. Reserve your spot today!
105 Gateway Dr , Mechanicsburg, PA Read MoreUnlock your child's creativity and future potential with Code Ninjas Summer Camps! The ultimate hands-on learning experience for your technology-loving children! Our STEM Camps help teach important life skills such as leadership, creativity, problem-solving, critical and computational thinking - all wrapped up in themes they love, like Robotics, Roblox, Minecraft, YouTube, and more! Spaces are limited, so register NOW for an epic tech-filled summer. It’s not just about tech—it’s about preparing for the future while having an unforgettable summer with new friends.
Don’t wait—our spots fill up fast! Give your child the opportunity to think bigger, dream brighter, and code smarter. Sign up today for a summer of fun, learning, and discovery!
Located in Harrisburg & Mechanicsburg PA area, Andy Stoner Tennis Camp has been welcoming campers of all ages and abilities to participate in a summer tennis camp for over 30 Years. Andy has 45 years of teaching and playing experience, A former touring pro and USTA #1 Men’s 50’s player. Andy Holds 31 USTA national titles and is a certified teaching pro through the Racquet Sports Professional Association (RSPA). We will teach you different strokes, techniques and strategies to be match ready! We welcome all levels of play, We look forward to seeing you on the tennis court. T-shirts and snacks will be provided!
5001 Hampden Park St , Hampden Township Park, Mechanicsburg, PA Read MoreAROMA All-Sports Camps: A Summer of Sports and Faith!
Messiah University’s AROMA All-Sports Camps provide boys and girls ages 7-14 with a faith-filled summer of athletic fun and personal growth. New for 2025: a Middle School Camp offering sport-specific training, strength and conditioning, team competitions, and Bible lessons. Multiple locations and dates are available. Discounts and payment plans offered—register now before spots fill!
Mechanicsburg, PA Read MoreBerkshire Lake Arts Camp provides top-tier dance, theater and visual arts instruction, plus all the magic of traditional camp for girls ages 7-15.
Hinsdale, Massachusetts
Read MoreWith 350 basketball camps in nearly every state nationwide, Breakthrough Basketball coaches firmly believe that they have a very important responsibility and an amazing opportunity to have a positive impact on their players' lives.
Score big in 2025 - at a Breakthrough Basketball Camp!
Locations Nationwide
Read MoreCamp GOTR: Empowering Girls Through Fun and Friendship!
Camp GOTR combines life skills, physical activity, and creativity in a supportive environment for girls entering grades 3-5. With full-day and half-day options at Harrisburg and Mechanicsburg locations, campers enjoy engaging lessons, field trips, and official GOTR gear. Financial assistance is available. Registration opens February 7, 2025—secure your spot today! Mechanicsburg, PA Read MoreWith nearly 200 acres in the cool Allegheny Mountains near the border of Virginia and West Virginia, Camp Twin Creeks welcomes your camper to join its lifelong community of summer campers.
From arts and sports to water and adventure, Camp Twin Creeks is where friendships flourish, childhood thrives and independence grows! By unplugging from technology and the distractions of everyday life, campers are able to connect with new friends and mentors, try new things, and develop confidence and independence.
Read MoreChallenge Island Summer Camps: STEAM Adventures for Creative Minds!
Challenge Island Summer Camps offer kids hands-on STEAM activities and exciting weekly themes, encouraging creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving. With adventures like designing roller coasters or exploring outer space, campers will learn, grow, and make lifelong memories. Perfect for elementary and middle school kids!
Mechanicsburg, PA Read MoreThe Children's Center in Camp Hill offers the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor activities for children ages 6-15. From creative arts and crafts to thrilling field trips and community service projects, your child will enjoy weekly themes designed to challenge their minds and bodies in a safe, nurturing environment. Flexible enrollment options let you choose the schedule that works for your family, whether it's part-time, full-time, or just a few weeks. With financial aid, multi-child discounts, and state-subsidized care accepted, a great summer experience is accessible for every family. Call today to secure your spot—spaces fill up fast! 🏕️
Camp Hill United Methodist Church , 417 S. 22nd street, Camp Hill , PA Read MoreUnlock your child's creativity and future potential with Code Ninjas Summer Camps! Whether they're creating in 3D, exploring robotics, or modding in Minecraft, your child will explore the exciting world of coding, game development, and tech creation—all while having an absolute blast! Guided by expert instructors, kids will enhance their creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork skills, gaining confidence that extends far beyond the screen. It’s not just about tech—it’s about preparing for the future while having an unforgettable summer with new friends.
Don’t wait—our spots fill up fast! Give your child the opportunity to think bigger, dream brighter, and code smarter. Sign up today for a summer of fun, learning, and discovery!
Multiple Locations
Read MoreEcho Hill Camp on the Chesapeake Bay offers a unique free-choice program where children chart their own adventure, and every day brings new possibilities. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Chesapeake Bay, campers master favorites like sailing and water skiing and build essential life skills while being guided by exceptional counselors who truly understand today's youth.
Here, campers experience the kind of summer they will remember – one filled with starlit campfires, rustic living, and genuine human connections away from screens and social media. Our century-old tradition of outdoor living creates the perfect environment for kids to develop independence, resilience, and lifelong friendships. Worton, Maryland Read MoreWidely recognized across the Midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp, Falcon is an excellent opportunity for young people to gain a strong camping experience---and have a great time!
Falcon offers a beautiful lakefront setting, a talented mature staff, and a wide variety of activities. Our 1:4 staff/camper ratio enables us to give each Falcon camper the individual attention necessary to ensure a summer of fun and learning. Falcon counselors average five years of “Falcon experience” as campers and staff. Falcon is accredited by the American Camp Association under a set of over 300 standards emphasizing health, safety, and program quality.
Carrollton, Ohio
Read MoreCamp Hoover has been creating life-changing experiences since 1953. Nestled within 340 acres of forests, hills, and a tranquil lakefront in Middleville, it offers campers in first through 12th grade opportunities to embrace independence, build friendships, and connect with nature. Campers enjoy activities like horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, and STEM programs, fostering growth and discovery in a supportive environment. Whether developing new skills or conquering fears, every moment at Camp Hoover reflects Girl Scout values, inspiring confidence, resilience, and lifelong memories. It’s a place where campers expand their horizons and experience the transformative power of the outdoors.
Middleville, New Jersey
Read MoreImmerse your child in a summer of adventure, creativity, and outdoor exploration with Good & Rooted Nature School! Offering six unique themed camps, kids (ages 5–12) will engage in hands-on experiences that blend nature, storytelling, art, S.T.E.A.M., and wilderness skills. Whether they’re crafting forest-inspired masterpieces, embarking on a medieval quest, building survival skills, or singing campfire songs, every week is filled with imaginative play, learning, and outdoor fun. Camps run June–July in various Harrisburg & West Shore locations.
🌿 Themes Include: Nature S.T.E.A.M., Forest Artist, Fairies & Gnomes, Knights & Dragons, Campfire Tales & Songs, and Wilderness Warriors. Camp Hill, PA Read MoreHCPAC Youth Summer Camps 2025: Fun, Theater, and Creativity!
Join HCPAC Youth Summer Camps for grades K-8 and dive into weekly theatrical adventures, arts & crafts, outdoor play, and more! With unique themes like Alice in Wonderland and Puss in Boots, each week ends with a live performance. Held at HCPAC Youth Campus, camps run Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Perfect for building creativity, teamwork, and confidence!
1000 S. Eisenhower Blvd, , Middletown , PA Read MoreCritter Camp 2025 at the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area
Calling all animal lovers ages 7-12! Join us for a week-long camp filled with hands-on animal care, fun workshops (like pet CPR and behavioral training), arts and crafts, team-building activities, and time spent with HSHA’s adoptable pets. Camp runs daily from 9 AM - 3 PM, with after-care options available. Registration includes a t-shirt, all materials, and unforgettable memories! Early Bird Discount available until March 15, 2025.
Location: 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111
Register today to save your spot!
Label Daddy provides premium, peel and stick, customized, and washable labels to keep personal items organized and out of the Lost and Found — perfect for summer camp and beyond.
Read MoreMy Gym Summer Camp
Ages 4-10 | June 9 – August 22, 2025
Make this summer unforgettable with My Gym Summer Camp! Your kids will enjoy three hours of nonstop fun featuring gymnastics, games, tumbling, relays, coloring, and more. Flexible session packages, a dynamic schedule, and a safe, nurturing environment make this the ultimate summer adventure. Sessions run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 PM to 4 PM—sign up now before spots fill up!
My Gym camp is simply the best! Children participate in energizing fitness games, noncompetitive gymnastics, music and so much more. Each camp program is uniquely designed to keep your children moving and active, as we emphasize physical development and personal success. Our activities change daily, so no two camp days at My Gym are ever the same. Whether you are looking for the best place to send your children on cold and rainy days or trying to keep them active and cool during the hot summer months, My Gym camp is the place to be. We make it easy for parents with our drop-off program, pay-by-the day options, and multi-day discounts.
USA Ninja Challenge offers exciting day camp experiences in Camp Hill, PA for kids ages 4-12! Our camp program focuses on building confidence through fun and fitness. Kids will have the chance to test their limits in a safe environment, navigating obstacles with children their own age. Ninja camps are the best way to provide a fun time of specific skills training, ninja games, and ninja course creation that will keep kids engaged day after day!
1909 State Street , Camp Hill, , PA Read More🔬 Curator Club & Oakes Museum Summer Camps – Science, exploration, and hands-on discovery for Grades 3-12! From tracking wildlife and conducting field research to dissecting specimens and exploring ecosystems, these camps offer exciting, age-appropriate experiences. Choose from half-day elementary & middle school programs or full-day high school science intensives. Scholarships available!
🌎 Spots fill fast—register now! Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA Read MoreSpooky Nook Sports Summer Camps
Keep your kids active, engaged, and having fun this summer at Spooky Nook Sports in Manheim! From sports-specific camps to multi-sport and recreational options, there’s something for every child, all within world-class facilities. Weekly full-day and half-day sessions offer flexible and exciting summer fun.
Join the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth this summer for rigorous, fresh, and fun in-person academic programs held at 10 locations in California, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. CTY's three-week day and residential programs for advanced learners in grades 2-12 offer 70+ courses in math, science, writing, and the humanities, plus social activities like talent shows and dances. CTY challenges students and connects them with an engaged community of learners from around the world. Residential students in grades 5-12 experience learning and living on a college campus. Before and after care is available for day students in grades 2-6 and lunch is included. Online programs in dynamic virtual classrooms are also enrolling.
Read MoreWinner of the 2021 Harrisburg Magazine Readers’ Choice Award for Best Martial Arts Academy
3300 Hartzdale Drive, Suite 111, Camp Hill, PA Read MoreTrinity Harrisburg Vacation Bible School: A Journey Through God’s Word
Trinity Harrisburg's Vacation Bible School offers children a meaningful and engaging opportunity to explore God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. Through lessons, crafts, music, games, and more, children will discover biblical truths and learn how the Bible shapes their everyday lives.
Last year’s theme, The Great Jungle Journey, focused on the 7 C’s of History: Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, and Consummation, helping children understand how these key events connect to their faith.
Dates and registration details for this year’s program will be announced soon. Join us for a week of faith-filled learning and fellowship. 6098 Locust Lane, , Harrisburg, PA Read MoreHere’s what you’ll unlock with a Summer Camp listing:
6.5 months of promotion: February through mid-August, with over 200,000 impressions.
Prime visibility: Featured placement in newsletters and on our homepage.
Engaged audience: 8,000+ newsletter subscribers and 6,000+ social media followers.
Social media love: At least 6 posts dedicated to our Summer Camp Guide.
Trusted community presence: Families trust Macaroni KID as their go-to resource for local events and programs.
I am Rachael and I live in Cumberland Valley with my husband, a couple of jerk cats, and my approximately 6348 kids (oh, wait, I meant four, but same noise level.) I'll bring you the scoop on what do in the Cumberland Valley and Harrisburg area. Be sure to check our weekly newsletter, I'll keep the calendar full of local events for families to help you find your family fun!
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